I love New York! I really do. It’s not just a t-shirt slogan for me.
I spent my best college days there, made many friends, had a blast making fond memories, and I would have a second home there in a minute. Some day!
One of the reasons I have loved NYC since my FIT days is because it IS the city that never sleeps. Always something to do; always some way to be entertained. So naturally, my recent trip there to the APAP Conference was a must.
APAP — Association of Performing Arts Presenters — is considered the upper echelon of conferences for those in the performing arts… and that means everyone… worldwide. More than 370 exhibitors and agents, hundreds of professionals teaching development seminars, and literally thousands of artists and presenters from 34 countries converge to share knowledge, network, conduct business, and enjoy the entertainment.
For one week, New York City becomes one big stage.
Performers are housed in every possible venue you can imagine and there is no way, short of cloning, to view all the showcases, which is a shame. This is the best of the best the world has to offer.
For my first APAP Conference, I did pretty well for myself. I managed to navigate the convention site with ease, attended most of the seminars I researched, took in a theatrical performance off site, met many of the agents I’ve worked with for years (but never met in person), attended some very entertaining showcases, had fun with my colleagues (old and new), ate well, AND I was an audience member for Live with Kelly and Michael. That’s a jam packed convention! Thank goodness I know the City so well.
The best part about these conventions is finding new talent
This year, I had the privilege of once again seeing Savannah Jack. If you don’t know them, you will. The group includes Matt Schumacher, easily one of the best fiddle players ever, and Don Gatlin, who has an enormous stage presence and can sing just about any song thrown his way. Although I tossed out Britney Spears for a particular set, and he just laughed. The group is considered “country” but they are so much more. If you have an opportunity to see them, do. Better yet, let me book them for your venue or event!
Another act I really enjoyed is the Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience
Shaun has the “it” factor, which is something nobody can describe, but we all know it when we see it. He oozes stage charisma and has talent that just won’t quit. The Big Band Experience marries an old sound with contemporary flair. Some may recognize Shaun from his “other” career with the a cappella vocal group, Tonic Sol-fa. The group has sold more than one million CDs and toured throughout the USA and abroad.
Again, I’d be happy to book these acts for you.
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